Informational influence

Definition

Informational influence occurs when individuals change their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors in response to information provided by others, typically in uncertain situations. This type of influence is rooted in the desire to be correct and leads people to accept the views of others as accurate, especially when they lack knowledge or confidence in their own judgment. Informational influence is a key mechanism through which peer pressure and conformity operate, as individuals look to their peers for guidance on how to think or act in various scenarios.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Informational influence is particularly strong in ambiguous situations where individuals are unsure about the correct course of action or belief.
2. It often leads to private acceptance, where people genuinely adopt the views of others, rather than just publicly conforming.
3. This influence is more pronounced when individuals perceive others as experts or have more knowledge about a specific topic.
4. Informational influence can play a crucial role in group decision-making processes, impacting outcomes significantly.
5. Research has shown that informational influence can lead to lasting changes in attitudes and behaviors, beyond mere compliance.

Review Questions

• How does informational influence differ from normative influence in terms of motivations and outcomes?
  • Informational influence differs from normative influence primarily in the motivations behind behavior changes. While informational influence stems from the desire to be correct and results in private acceptance of new beliefs or behaviors, normative influence arises from the desire for social approval and often leads only to public compliance without genuine belief change. Individuals rely on informational influence when they feel uncertain and seek guidance, whereas they may conform out of social pressure with normative influence even when they disagree internally.
• What role does informational influence play in peer pressure and how can it lead to conformity among individuals?
  • Informational influence plays a significant role in peer pressure by providing individuals with the perceived 'correct' actions or beliefs based on the behavior of their peers. In group settings where uncertainty exists, individuals often look to their friends or peers for cues on how to think or behave. This reliance on peer input can lead them to adopt similar beliefs or behaviors, reinforcing conformity as they trust the group's judgment over their own uncertainty.
• Evaluate the implications of informational influence on individual decision-making in both positive and negative contexts.
  • The implications of informational influence on individual decision-making can be profound, with both positive and negative outcomes. Positively, it allows individuals to make informed decisions by relying on expert opinions or experiences shared within a group, leading to better outcomes. However, negative consequences can arise if individuals blindly accept misinformation or harmful behaviors prevalent in a group setting, resulting in poor choices. Understanding this dual nature highlights the importance of critical thinking and discerning the quality of information received from peers.

Related terms

normative influence:

A type of social influence that leads individuals to conform to the expectations of others in order to gain acceptance or avoid rejection.

conformity: The act of changing one's behavior or beliefs to match those of others, often in response to real or imagined group pressure.

social validation: The process of seeking confirmation from others regarding one's beliefs or actions, often leading to conformity.